Spill proof pull-push type lid assembly for a beverage bottle
Presented is a spill proof pull-push type lid assembly for a beverage bottle. The lid assembly includes an inner core member, an outer core member, and other associated components configured thereon. In operation, the outer core member is configured to slide over the inner core member in a restrictive manner from a first position to a second position or vice versa to seal or open a beverage passageway from the beverage bottle to the lid, respectively.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/645,264, entitled “PULL-PUSH TYPE LID FOR A BEVERAGE BOTTLE,” filed Mar. 20, 2018, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to the field of beverage bottles and particularly to a spill resistant lid assembly for a beverage bottle that opens and closes a fluid passageway from the bottle by a simple pull up and push down mechanism.
BACKGROUNDVarieties of drinking bottles or beverage bottles are available in the market now days and take on different configurations. Reusable drinking bottles form an important part of daily life and are used by people in various places and for various occasions including driving excursions, at home, in office, during sports, while on vacations and so on. For reusable bottles, ability to have easy access to the drinking beverage, ease of cleaning of the bottle and prevention of the drinking beverage from spilling out of the bottle while on the go are the most important attributes.
The lids used with conventional drinking bottles often utilize threads as a means for attachment to the body of the bottle. Threaded lids are generally an effective means to attaching and detaching the lid and avoiding spilling of liquids within the bottle, even when the bottle is oriented in a manner that would otherwise cause liquids to escape. A typical procedure when one desires to drink from the drinking bottle involves first removing the lid, by unthreading or unscrewing the lid from the neck of the bottle, and then holding the bottle in one hand while holding the lid in the other hand and tipping the bottle to drink from the bottle. Further, when the user is done with drinking then they are required to reverse the process to seal the lid back to the bottle. Such a standard lid mechanism is quite time consuming, when the user has to drink from the drinking bottle frequently. In addition, such bottles are open to the risk of spilling the contents out of the bottle. In a scenario where the user is running out of time and doesn't properly thread the lid back on to the neck of the bottle, there is a chance that the bottle's contents will spill and/or the contents of the bottle could become contaminated through exposure to the outside elements.
As shown in
To overcome aforementioned problems, the present invention tends to provide a novel lid assembly for a beverage bottle that would offer ease of use, greater spill resistance, and at the same time allow easy cleaning of the interior of the lid body.
BRIEF SUMMARYPresent invention provides a spill resistant or leak proof lid for a beverage bottle that works by a simple pull up and push down mechanism.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a lid assembly for a beverage bottle that would completely seal off a fluid passageway from the bottle restricting the movement of the fluid out of the bottle to the lid and finally outside the lid for consumption.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a lid for a beverage bottle that would allow easy cleaning of interior of the lid body.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a lid for a beverage bottle that would effectively restrict entry of any dust or dirt particles from environment into the lid or into a drinking area of the beverage bottle.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide a lid that would allow 360 degree flow of fluid out of lid so the user has freedom to drink from any side of the bottle.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, the proposed lid assembly includes an inner core member, an outer core member, and other associated components configured thereon. In operation, the outer core member is configured to slide over the inner core member in a restrictive manner from a first position to a second position or vice versa to seal or open a beverage passageway from the beverage bottle to the lid, respectively.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, in light of the accompanying drawings.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. There is shown in the drawings example embodiments, however, the application is not limited to the specific system and method disclosed in the drawings.
As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an example”, “another example”, “some embodiment”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first”, “second”, are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements.
Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes a combination of components which constitutes a lid assembly for a beverage bottle. Accordingly, the components, their interconnectivity and operation have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention, such as the terms “lid”, “lid assembly” and so on are all interchangeably used for the purpose of this invention. Further, the terms “beverage”, “fluid”, and so on are interchangeably used for the purpose of this invention. Further, the terms “beverage passageway”, “fluid passageway”, “passageway”, and so on are interchangeably used for the purpose of this invention. Further, the terms “sheath of metal”, “metallic sheath, and so on are interchangeably used for the purpose of this invention.
Referring to
The spill proof pull-push type lid assembly of a beverage bottle of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings
Referring to accompanying figures, particularly to
The inner core member 106 is lower part of the lid assembly 100. The inner core member 106 have a top 106a, and a bottom 106b as shown in
The shaft 112 located internally within the inner core member 106 is configured to engage to a top center piece 102, as shown in
The set of pillars 110 (as shown in
The inner core member 106 further includes a stopper 111 (as shown in
The inner core member 106 includes a first inner gasket 107b and a first outer gasket 107a as shown in
The outer core member 109 includes a bottom 109a and a top 109b. The outer core member 109 includes a second inner gasket 107d, and a second outer gasket 107e as shown in
In some embodiment, the inner core member 106 further includes one or more notch or bump (not shown) present internally within the inner core member 106 on the side of the shaft 112. The bump may interact with the inner gasket 107b of the inner core member 106 to notify the user about the closure and opening of the lid 100, when the user pushes or pulls the lid 100 respectively. The notification may be in the form of swift sound.
In an embodiment, the outer core member 109 is rolled over with a sheath of metal 104 on outer surface of the outer core member 109 such as to give an ergonomic appearance to the lid 100. The metallic sheath 104 may be made of any suitable metal known in the art such as stainless steel. The metallic sheath 104 rolled over the outer surface of the outer core member 109 is non-porous thus facilitating easy cleaning and safer drinking of the beverage compared to other prior art lids which are made of purely plastic porous material. The sheath of metal 104 when embodied over the outer surface of the outer core member 109 function together with the outer core member 109 and acts as a place of grip for a user to operate the outer core member 109 from a first position to a second position or vice-versa. The sheath of metal 104 covering the outer core member 109 is slightly tapered at a portion (T1, T2) shown in
The first position of the outer core member 109 refers to the position when the outer core member 109 is in a relaxed position or in fully in position as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In operation, when the outer core member 109 is moved from the first position to the second position, the outer core member 109 can have a restricted upward movement that allows fluid passage from the bottle to the lid body. The upward movement of the outer core member 109 is actuated by the user by grabbing the sheath of metal 104 embodied outside of the outer core member 109 and pulling it upward that partially disengages the outer core member 109 from the inner core member 106. The upward movement of the outer core member 109 is restricted by the presence of the pillars 110 and the stopper 111 configured on top of the pillars 110 internally within the inner core member 106.
Referring to
Referring to
The lid or lid assembly of the present invention including associated components thereof (the inner core member, the outer core member, the gaskets, the metal sheath etc) may be made using suitable metals or plastic, or ABS material or any other material or any combinations thereof and in variety of dimensions or sizes as needed. The gaskets as described above may be made of plastic, silicon or rubber material or any other like material. The use of material should not be construed as any limitation for implementation of the present invention; however the material is desired to have good durability and at the same time is inexpensive for the production and affordability of the end users.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A lid assembly (100) for a beverage bottle (200), comprising:
- an inner core member (106) having a top (106a), and a bottom (106b), the bottom comprising a shaft (112) centrally located and extending upward towards the top (106a), a set of pillars (110), and a set of valves (106c) configured thereon, wherein each of the set of pillars (110) and each of the set of valves (106c) are alternatively arranged around the shaft (112);
- an outer core member (109) having a bottom (109a) and a top (109b), the outer core member (109) slidably engages with the inner core member (106) and operated to move from a first position to a second position or vice-versa, wherein the first position of the outer core member (109) leads to sealing of the plurality of valves (106c) located at the bottom (106b) of the inner core member (106), and the second position of the outer core member (109) leads to opening of the plurality of valves (106c) located at the bottom (106b) of the inner core member (106);
- a top center piece (102) with a threaded receiving structure (102a); and
- a stopper (111) disposed over top of the set of pillars (110) to facilitate a restrictive movement to the outer core member (109) when the outer core member (109) is operated to move from the first position to the second position.
2. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the inner core member (106) comprises a plurality of threads (108) configured on its outer surface to facilitate the lid's (100) engagement with the beverage bottle (200).
3. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the shaft (112) comprises a plurality of engaging threads configured at a free end (112a) thereof, wherein the free end (112a) rotatably connects the shaft (112) to the threaded receiving structure (102a) of the top center piece (102).
4. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the shaft (112) and the threaded receiving structure (102a) of the top center piece (102) are cylindrical.
5. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the stopper (111) disposed over the top of the set of pillars (110) is locked therein restricting displacement of the stopper (111) when the outer core member (109) is slidably moved from the first position to a second position relative to the inner core member (106).
6. The lid assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the stopper (111) disposed over the top of the set of pillars (100) is locked therein using fastener means (111b).
7. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the inner core member (106) further comprising
- a first outer gasket (107a) that facilitates a tight fit of the lid (100) over the beverage bottle (200), and prevents passage of beverage from the beverage bottle (200) to the inner core member (106) or the lid (100); and
- a first inner gasket (107b) that facilitates a tight fit to the inner core member (106) with the outer core member (109), prevent beverage passage between the inner core member (106) and the outer core member (109), and facilitates a smooth sliding function between the inner core member (106) and the outer core (109).
8. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the outer core member (109) comprising
- a second inner gasket (107d), and a second outer gasket (107e) that provides a tight fit to the outer core member (109) with the inner core member (106), and restrict any beverage flow within the lid (100).
9. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the first position of the outer core member (109) that seals the plurality of valves (106c) to restrict beverage flow from the beverage bottle (200) to the lid (100) is achieved by pushing the outer core member (109) vertically in a downward direction.
10. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the second position of the outer core member (109) that opens the plurality of valves (106c) to allow the beverage flow from the beverage bottle (200) to the lid (100) is achieved by pulling the outer core member (109) vertically in an upward direction.
11. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the outer core member (109) is rolled over with a sheath of metal (104) on outer surface such as to give the lid (100) an ergonomic appearance, and wherein the sheath of metal (104) acts as a place of grip for a user to operate the outer core member (109) from the first position to the second position or vice-versa.
12. The lid assembly (100) of claim 11, wherein the sheath of metal (104) covering the outer core member (109) is slightly tapered at a portion (T1,T2) where the sheath of metal (104) is rolled over the outer core member (109).
13. The lid assembly (100) of claim 12, wherein the tapering of the sheath of metal (104) provides a tight gap between the metal sheath (104) and the top center piece (102) when the top center piece (102) is engaged to the free end (112a) of the shaft (112).
14. The lid assembly (100) of claim 13, wherein the tight gap so formed restricts entry of dust or dirt particles from environment to the lid (100) or a drinking area when the outer core member (109) is moved from the first position to the second position.
15. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1 further comprising a gasket (107c) that tightly fits on the top of the outer core member (109) surrounding the threaded receiving structure (102a) of the top center piece (102) to further seal any leftover beverage stuck inside the lid (100) after the consumption of the beverage from the beverage bottle (200).
16. The lid assembly (100) of claim 1 further comprising a gasket (107f) configured within a groove on the top of the outer core member (109) to prevent any beverage from getting up and over the edges and in-between the outer core member (109), and the metal sheath (104), and prevent the metal sheath (104) from rotating separate from the outer core member (109) while twisting the lid assembly (100).
Type: Grant
Filed: May 18, 2019
Date of Patent: Jun 15, 2021
Patent Publication Number: 20200361671
Inventors: Justin Schmidt (Costa Mesa, CA), Carl Jarecki (Costa Mesa, CA)
Primary Examiner: Michael McCullough
Application Number: 16/416,169
International Classification: B65D 47/24 (20060101); B65D 39/00 (20060101); A45F 3/18 (20060101); B65D 53/02 (20060101); B65D 39/08 (20060101);